Genetic/Genomic Nursing

Study of nursing and caregiving that supports diversity based on genomic information Investigating the role of nursing in the rapidly developing field of genomic medical care

Faculty details

Research topics in division

Continuous lifelong support for patients and families with hereditary diseases
Nursing for individuals and groups with genetic issues
The role of nursing in genomic medicine and ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI)

Master's thesis topics

• Knowledge of nurses working at regional medical care support hospitals regarding hereditary tumors and the current situation of nursing practices (2019)
• Qualitative research on patient experiences with hereditary arrhythmia (2019)
• Literature review of risk management efforts for blood relatives who have not developed hereditary breast or ovarian cancer syndromes and the psychosocial issues (2020)
• Medical staff's recognition of the current situation regarding gastrointestinal hamartomatous polyposis -considering the challenges for patient support-（2021）

Research keywords
genetic/genomic information, genetic/genomic medical care, genetic testing, genetic counseling, genetic risk assessment, precision medicine, life stages, communication within the family, decision-making support, peer support, ELSI, etc.

Introduction to division

The use of genomic information in clinical practice is developing at an accelerating rate, and there are expectations that this information will be used appropriately to contribute toward even more individualized and effective diagnoses, preventions, and treatments. In the 2nd term of the health and medical care strategy, there is an emphasis on further developing the implementation of genomic medical care, including whole genome sequencing, and passing its benefits on to patients. On the other hand, genetic information requires careful handling due to its immutability, predictability, and commonality, and there is a need for nurses to gain knowledge on genetics and play a supporting role in various clinical fields.
In the division of genetic nursing, we offer a master's thesis course and a certified nurse specialist (CNS) program. A certified nurse specialist in genetics is expected to "identify genetic issues a patient may have, provide decision-making support for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment as well as lifelong medical treatment support aimed at improving Quality of Life (QOL), and contribute to the building of a system that allows people of all generations to receive the medical care and caregiving they require while contributing to the development of genomic medical care."
　There are currently 4 universities that have graduate programs in genetic nursing. By making use of the internet, we provide opportunities including various study sessions and journal clubs for students at the 4 universities to study together.

During a joint journal club meeting of the 4 universities

In major field courses, we include attendance at the Outpatient Clinical Genetics Center and conferences to deepen the students' understanding of the actual practices of genetic medical care. Students also audit lectures for the "Advanced genomic medicine" course of the cancer professional training plan and actively participate in the intensive course on the implementation of cancer genomic medical care.
Furthermore, students also participate in support groups for patients with hereditary diseases, which is an opportunity for them to consider how genetic medical care should be implemented from the perspective of the people concerned.
In addition to acquiring the specialized knowledge necessary for genomic/genetic medical care, students learn about potential ethical, legal, and social issues (ELSI) in close association with clinical practice. We aim to nurture human resources who can develop practices and investigate research issues in the division of genomic/genetic nursing.

Main publications

Career after degree completion

Certified nurse specialist in genetics, outpatient specialist in genetics, cancer chemotherapy division (cancer genomic medical care, etc.)

Message

In the future of medical care, the use of genomic information will become essential. Please aim to become leaders in genetic nursing who can support people's health throughout their lives and across generations by acquiring sound knowledge and the ability to identify individual issues.